Moving on: Senior citizens and their families face tough choices

It's never easy to move, even under the best of circumstances.

But for senior citizens struggling to keep their independence, moving out of their longtime residences can be a huge adjustment, especially if they don't want to leave.

So how do you determine when it's time for mom or dad to move?

"The leading sign for moving mom and dad is an unnecessary fall," said Ken Venables, public relations coordinator for Salt Lake County Aging Services.

"Intervene before it becomes a bad fall. Falling is the leading cause of losing independence."

For those looking into safe, senior housing, multiple options are available.

There are senior-friendly living communities that provide ground-level apartments ?— with no stairs. Or there are assisted-living facilities with professional care to meet the personal needs of each resident. Skilled nursing homes are also viable options.

Transferring loved ones into independent, senior-friendly homes first is ideal, said Chantelle Knudson, spokeswoman for Highland Retirement Living in Salt Lake City. Then, if necessary, make the move to assisted care.

When considering care, Knudson said it is important for family members to ask themselves this question: "Is their quality of life going downhill in one form or another?"

Highland Cove Retirement Community resident Addi Yo Soy, 77, moved into one of the facility's independent apartments about a month ago.

Yo Soy's daughter, Lore Acevedo, said she noticed her mother was losing her capacity to care for herself.

"She needed more care than I could give her," said Acevedo.

She recognized her mother was having memory lapses and knew moving her would be the best option at that point.

Carol Kostic, a family friend of Acevedo and Yo Soy, said it's easier to make the first move to a senior-friendly facility, which will allow for an easier transition later on if more care becomes necessary.

"It's so important to not wait until it's a 'have-to,' " said Kostic.

After looking at eight locations, Acevdo and Yo Soy decided on Highland Cove because of its gardenlike surroundings and social opportunities.

For those looking to move a parent, Acevedo suggests listening to the needs and wants of the parent when choosing a housing facility.